HiFi Ponderings- Yo...
 

[Closed] HiFi Ponderings- You have a Pre Amp and Two Power Amps

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Lets say you have a pre amp with two pairs of outputs allowing two power amps to be connected.

Both of the power amps can be switched to monblocs if required.

The speakers have two pairs of connections.

Would you bi amp by using the powers in stereo mode, one amp for tweeters, one amp for bass

Or would you use the powers in mono mode, one for the left speaker, one for the right.

Which should be best and why?


 
Posted : 24/04/2014 11:41 am
 IHN
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Will you be using directional cables? 😉


 
Posted : 24/04/2014 11:45 am
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Well - people seem to think the latter is better, to improve stereo separation, and that the former doens't make much difference.

However for my system the treble/bass bi-amping makes a huge difference compared to just one amp, so that's what I do. Why? I can't really explain in concrete physics terms, but it's miles better.


 
Posted : 24/04/2014 11:46 am
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Try both options for yourself and decide which one you like best.

Simples.

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Posted : 24/04/2014 11:47 am
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Either or neither, there are too many variables to give a definitive answer. Whatever works for you.

There are in theory a number of advantages in bi-amp setups, and even using different amps per channel and/or speaker.

Having done this the only clear advantage I got was by running an active crossover and using a class D amp for the bass and a valve amp for the tweeter, however there is a fair amount of faff involved in removing the speakers internal crossovers from the equation and then tuning an active one.

CD->Integrated->Speakers these days, so much simpler.


 
Posted : 24/04/2014 11:48 am
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I should add that my power amp and pre-amps cost £200 total, second hand/bargin bin, and the result is far greater than anything else at that price, I reckon. It's cheap Cambridge Audio stuff so perhaps that has something to do with it.


 
Posted : 24/04/2014 11:50 am
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I can't comment in particular - I have a (mostly) NAIM system - they don't do bi-wiring, it's not necessary.

My previous advice however, works for just about anything "hifi". 😉 😀 8)


 
Posted : 24/04/2014 11:56 am
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I'd say it depends on the speakers - some are designed to be bi-amped (or even greater) and the single amping solution is a compromise, whilst others work just as well being driven with a single amp as they do being bi-amped.

As has been said already, try both and see which you prefer.


 
Posted : 24/04/2014 11:58 am
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Bi-amping is rubbish. Since you have the option, use them in bridged mode as monoblocs. The higher output gives improved headroom for transients (peak demands) hence more accuracy.


 
Posted : 24/04/2014 12:03 pm
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An opportunity for a good play-around to see what works - and which of the above advice is guff 😛


 
Posted : 24/04/2014 12:05 pm
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It is unlikely that the speaker designer voiced them using them either bi-wired or bi-amped, so you may find you get the best results running monoblocks and single wired.

However there are technical reasons why bi-wiring might be better (something to do with the earthing arrangements - I forget) so one of the bi-amping setups might also work.

Plus your room is not likely to be neutral so any change in sound by bi-amping may also be desirable.

So basically just try it !


 
Posted : 24/04/2014 12:35 pm
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I will of course try both but as I don't have the kit yet I was interested to hear other people experiences.


 
Posted : 24/04/2014 12:38 pm
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IME Biampimg without using active crossovers makes no significant difference. If you have the amps lying about, then no harm in trying it, but I would expect any revelations.


 
Posted : 24/04/2014 1:25 pm
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I'd split the output from the preamp, add a second pair of speakers and enjoy quadrophonic surround sound. Make sure all the speaker cables are the same colour as one another but a different colour to the interconnects.


 
Posted : 24/04/2014 2:27 pm
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You should try, as mentioned. But I suspect that running them as monoblocs would be the best as I have found bi-amping without running active crossovers doesn't make that huge a difference. But it all depends on the equipment and what you like.


 
Posted : 24/04/2014 2:56 pm